Weak Localization and Negative Magnetoresistance in Wurtzite-type Crystals

TL;DR

This paper presents a new theoretical model for negative magnetoresistance caused by weak localization in uniaxial wurtzite crystals, accounting for spin-motion correlation and crystal orientation effects.

Contribution

It introduces a theory that incorporates spin and coordinate space correlation, enabling precise determination of spin splitting constants in uniaxial crystals.

Findings

Magnetoresistance depends on magnetic field orientation due to spin-motion correlation.

The theory accurately determines the spin splitting constant in uniaxial crystals.

It differs from earlier models by considering anisotropic effects in wurtzite structures.

Abstract

We have developed a theory of the negative magnetoresistance due to the weak localization in uniaxial wurtzite-type crystals, in which the spin splitting of the conduction band is linear in the wave vector, unlike the cubic ${\rm A_3 B_5}$ crystals. Unlike earlier theories, we take into account the correlation between the electron motion in spin and co-ordinate spaces. It is shown that as a result of this correlation the magnetoresistance depends on the orientation of the magnetic field with respect to the main axis of the crystal even if the effective mass is isotropic. The new theory allows to accurately determine the value of the spin splitting constant in uniaxial crystals.